June 22, 2020

The following plan is based upon the best information we have at this time. As new information becomes available, the reopening plan will be revised as needed. These guidelines are intended for Desert Spring and Desert Spring related ministries. Outside users of the facilities will be allowed to return upon entering into phase 3 of the document, when groups sizes are not limited and when mask are encouraged but not required.

1. Core values that guide our decisions

a. Do no harm. Our decisions are based upon our best understanding of what it means to do no harm to members and constituents of the church.

b. All means all. In our church, we welcome all people to participate fully. In this unprecedented time, all means all takes on new meaning: all of us are welcome to worship. Until such time as the limitations of the size of gatherings have been eased, Desert Spring will not gather for public worship.

c. Outwardly looking. We know that the decisions Desert Spring makes not only impact the people of Desert Spring, they also impact the greater community. In order to be a responsible part of our greater community, Desert Spring will implement reopening plans within the confines of the Governor’s directives along with the directives of our Bishop.

What follows is our plan for reopening based upon these core values and our understanding of the directives of our Governor and Bishop.

2. Phase 1 (to be implemented upon permission from our Bishop)

a. During phase 1 we welcome gatherings of up to 10 people. In order to assure the safety of those who gather, please schedule room usage through the church office.

The church will provide the following support for all gatherings:

i. A large room will be provided to allow for safe distancing

ii. Rooms and all accessible common surfaces will be sanitized prior to each usage

iii. Touchless hand sanitizer will be available

iv. Disposable masks will be available

v. Keurig coffee makers along with disposable cups and water bottles will be available to assist with fellowship.

vi. Group leaders/hosts will be provided guidelines for safe meetings as well as instructions on how to host a safe meeting

vii. Signage on the importance and expectations of safe meetings will be posted

viii. The church asks that anyone experiencing symptoms not attend meetings.

3. Phase 2 (to be implemented upon permission from our Bishop)

a. During phase 2 groups of 30 people are welcome to gather in our multi-purpose room. Groups of 30-50 people are welcome to gather in our sanctuary. In order to assure the safety of those who gather, please schedule room usage through the church office.

The church will provide the following support for all gatherings:

i. Rooms will be set up to allow for safe distancing

ii. Rooms and all accessible common surfaces will be sanitized prior to each usage

iii. Touchless Hand sanitizer will be available

iv. Disposable masks will be available

v. Keurig coffee makers along with disposable cups and water bottles will be available to assist with fellowship in the multi-purpose building. Bottled water will be available at the coffee station.

vi. Group leaders will be provided guidelines for safe meetings as well as instructions on how to host a safe meeting

vii. Signage on the importance and expectations of safe meetings will be posted

viii. The church asks that anyone experiencing symptoms not attend meetings.

4. Phase 3 (to be implemented upon permission of our Bishop)

a. During phase 3, public worship of all sizes resumes.

i. Phase 3.1 (to continue until it is safe to move to 3.2) In order to assure the safety of all those returning to worship, the church will provide the following safety measures:

1. Rooms and all accessible surfaces will be sanitized prior to each use, including sanitizing common surfaces and seating in the sanctuary and lobby.

2. Restrooms will be monitored and cleaned during and between worship services

3. Worship service experiences will be modified with safety in mind.

4. Parish nurses will be available to speak to congregants upon request.

5. Touchless hand sanitizer and disposable masks will be readily available.

6. One section of the sanctuary will be marked off as a safe distancing section, allowing people to choose to safe distance upon request.

7. Fellowship opportunities will be made available outside. Shade structures, coffee and water will be available.

8. Children will stay with parents during worship and fellowship times.

9. Parking lot adapted to allow for more handicap parking spaces; golf cart ministry focuses on mobility impaired

ii. Phase 3.2

Sunday School for all ages begins, and childcare we be available. The lobby of the sanctuary will reopen and be available for fellowship for those who prefer. (Shade will still be set up outside, where people will be encouraged to gather. Pastors will be available to greet folks outside).

In order to assure the safety of all those participating, the church will provide the following support (along with all 3.1 protocols):

1. All Sunday School rooms, childcare rooms and education building restrooms will be sanitized prior to each usage.

2. New check in and check out procedures will be developed to minimize the number of people entering the education wing.

3. Hand sanitizer will be provided for children as they enter and leave their Sunday School rooms.

4. Fellowship will continue outside. The lobby will re-open with limited furnishings for fellowship.

iii. Phase 3.3: (When a vaccine for Covid-19 becomes available or the CDC determines the threat from Covid-19 has passed)

Worship services return to our new normal, including the return of hymn singing and the choir. In order to assure the safety of all who attend, the church will provide the following support:

1. Touchless hand sanitizer will be available in the lobby

2. Masks will be available upon request

3. Restrooms will be monitored and cleaned during and between services

4. The lobby will be set up for fellowship, including refreshments

5. The Sanctuary and lobby will be sanitized each week

6. Sunday School rooms will be sanitized each week.

7. Monthly blood pressure checks resume